Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer, you’ve come to the right place! This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is a beloved recipe in my home. It’s not just any cake; it’s a celebration of fresh strawberries layered between fluffy vanilla cake and light, airy whipped cream. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a sunny afternoon with friends, this cake will surely impress everyone at your table.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to put together. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this elegant dessert in no time. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to casual weeknight dinners—making it a go-to favorite that you’ll want to share again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and whipped cream creates a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can create a stunning cake without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves strawberry shortcake! This dessert is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the cake ahead of time and assemble it just before serving for an effortless experience.
• Versatile Presentation: Serve it as a classic shortcake or get creative with layers—either way, it looks beautiful on any table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting. You probably already have many of these on hand! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 2 large egg whites (at room temperature)
• 2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but highly recommended)
• ⅔ cup sour cream
• ¾ cup milk (preferably whole or 2%, at room temperature)

For the Strawberries

• 3 cups fresh strawberries (sliced or diced, divided)
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam

For the Whipped Cream Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to cool room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups heavy whipping cream (very cold, straight from the fridge)

Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into making this delicious cake!

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with flavors and ingredients. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Citrus Zest: Enhance the flavor by adding lemon or orange zest to the batter for a zesty twist.
• Berry Medley: Swap out some strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry delight.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for those avoiding gluten.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the batter for an extra layer of texture.

How to Make Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by preparing your strawberries. Slice or dice them as desired and mix them in a bowl with the strawberry jam. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps macerate the strawberries, releasing their juices and enhancing their natural sweetness.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your cake pans beforehand will ensure easy removal later on. It’s important to have your oven hot enough so that the cakes rise beautifully when they go in.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures that your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to an even rise in your cakes.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and oil until creamy. Then add in eggs and egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extracts and sour cream until smooth. This mixture creates a rich base for your cake.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture while alternating with milk. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mixing gently prevents overworking the batter which could result in dense cakes.

Step 6: Bake Your Cakes

Divide your batter evenly between prepared cake pans. Smooth out the tops if needed before placing them in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them toward the end!

Step 7: Cool Cakes & Prepare Frosting

Once baked, allow cakes to cool completely in their pans before transferring them to wire racks. While they cool, beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Gradually add cold heavy whipping cream while mixing until stiff peaks form—this will be your fluffy frosting!

Step 8: Assemble Your Shortcake Cake

Once cooled, place one layer of cake on your serving plate. Spread half of your macerated strawberries over it followed by a layer of frosting. Repeat with the second layer and top off as desired! Garnish with additional whole strawberries if you’d like.

And there you have it—a stunning Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting! Enjoy every luscious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Creating the perfect strawberry shortcake cake can be a delightful experience, and these helpful tips will ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs, milk, and sour cream to room temperature helps them blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake.

• Don’t skip the maceration: Allowing the strawberries to macerate with sugar not only enhances their sweetness but also releases juices that add moisture and flavor to your cake layers.

• Chill your mixing bowl: For the best whipped cream frosting, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. This helps it whip up faster and maintain its shape better.

• Layer wisely: When assembling your cake, use a generous amount of strawberry jam between layers. It not only adds flavor but also prevents the cake from becoming too dry.

• Serve fresh: For the best taste and texture, serve your cake shortly after assembling. This way, you can enjoy the freshness of the strawberries and whipped cream before they begin to soften.

How to Serve Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Presenting this beautiful strawberry shortcake cake can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some fun ideas for serving this delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint on top not only look elegant but also add a refreshing hint of flavor that complements the strawberries.

• Sifted powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top can elevate the visual appeal and give a sweet touch without overpowering the flavors.

Side Dishes

• Lemon sorbet: The bright citrus flavors of lemon sorbet provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake, making it a perfect palate cleanser.

• Vanilla ice cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that adds richness and balances out the lightness of the cake and strawberries.

• Fruit salad: A simple fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can enhance your dessert table while keeping things fresh and vibrant alongside your shortcake.

• Tea or coffee: Offering a warm beverage like herbal tea or coffee creates a cozy atmosphere, making this dessert feel even more special during gatherings or celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is not only delightful but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance for special occasions or simply to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to store and enjoy your cake later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week; just ensure it’s covered well to prevent it from drying out.
• Keep the whipped cream frosting separate if possible to maintain its texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bags with the date!
• For best results, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• If you want to serve your cake warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices of cake on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds until just warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious dessert!

Can I use frozen strawberries in my Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting?

Yes! You can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the cake. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the cake’s texture.

How should I store my Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the layers separately.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or use non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just keep proportions similar!

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of the Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting, swap out regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting! It’s perfect for gatherings or simply as a treat for yourself. The combination of fluffy cake and fresh strawberries is truly irresistible. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your baking adventures with friends and family—happy baking!